I came from the Philippines. I’ve been here in Canada for 2.5 years. I already took my IELTS for 3x. I’m not so aure why I can’t reach the band score that I need. I feel so frustated about my English Exam. Somebody suggested to me to try CELBAN. I tried 1 version of self-assessment and I got band 9 for both listening and reading. Please help me to prepare for CELBAN. I really wanted to take all the lesson that you have. However, I can’t afford anyone of them because I only work for minimum wage. Thanks. J

I’ve been reading your “Dear Kim” blog less than a year. I’ve contemplating to do my bridging program for RN in [province]. I procrastinated though, due to my fear of not passing the IELTS.

[My city] is such a nice place, it’s growing so fast. Sometimes, I like it. Sometimes, I don’t. I came here to Canada 5 years ago as an LPN from the Philippines. I used to be an RN back home. I am currently working in a busy floor, it’s a combination of Labour and Delivery, Postpartum Unit and Gastrointestinal Surgery. Once in a while we also get the not so very young. I have a permanent resident status and just recently submitted my citizenship application.

I love what I do, I know that I was born to be a nurse. Lately, our LPN scope of practice in Alberta has expanded. There are only 3 things an LPN in our unit can’t do. Be an Obstetrical Nurse, spike a blood bag and be a charge nurse. Other that than, LPNs do everything. However, we get paid less. Less than $20/hour. I want to be honest with you, I want more. I want to get paid more on how good I am. Does this make me a less nurse? I hope not.

I have a long history with IELTS. Back in 2007, I started taking up the test in Manila for my New Zealand application. They were requiring a band score of 7 on each modules. I took the test 9 times! You know why? Because my writing was always a band score of 6.5. So, I gave up.

Last July of 2014, I took the plunged again. I sat for IELTS exam. Even though, at the back of my mind, I should’ve taken CELBAN. My test score was L: 8.5 R: 7.5 W: 6.5 S: 7.5 Overall Band Score: 7.5. I was broken-hearted. I was 0.5 away, again.

I speak English everyday at work. I am well-read. I follow CNN newsfeed on social media and loves watching documentaries. I love travelling. I can speak with confidence and smitten anyone with my charming genuine smile, but I suck on writing.

After checking the CELBAN site that test dates and locations will be posted soon, I decided to seek your help. I promised to work hard. I borrowed all the IELTS materials I could borrow from our public library. But, I have nightmares on writing. So, could you please help me prepare for the test? I need your guidance.

NOTE: Although this message was written during the changes in national administrator of the CELBAN it may still apply, if you are waiting for an available seat for the exam.

Dear Kim,

My name is Z and I’m from Manitoba. I have been waiting desperately for the news of the upcoming CELBAN schedules since CELAS centre no longer exist. I have been informed before by CELAS of my exam dates last summer but I guess it didnt push through because of the recent changes and the money that I paid didn’t reflect in my bank statement so I guess no.

I am writing to you because I need to enroll in writing classes or writing course you got there. I really dont know what to take. All I want is someone to check in my work specifically in writing because I cant seem to get it right. I have taken the iCelban exam at the MNU twice and my results with listening are 10 and reading are 8,9 but with writing I can’t seem to get it even at 7. I always get 6 on both the iCelban exams. I didnt have the chance to take the speaking test because I don’t a a specific date yet.

So, I need your help in my writing. I need someone to check what I have done and give me feedbacks Also money wise it’s a little expensive hope you have some discount ? 😉

Also, I’m working full-time but on shifts. I work two weeks days, two weeks nights and alternate after that. I am really determined to learn. I feel like I am wasting my time which I am just waiting for the CELBAN news to come up. So, here I am thinking on enrolling in writing course. Will there be an coach to give me feedbacks? will I be able to see my work? How is it gonna work? ( too many question) tsk…

Hi Kim,thanks to google I was able to found you.i read a lot of your blog for dear Kim.i’m now encourage to take my celban exam.i took my ielts once last 2010, my score was as follows Listening-6,reading-4.5,writing 5.5,speaking-6.0.from that time I didn’t have anymore interest to take again.because I’m afraid to fail,I feel also that I would not be able to pass.i wanted to try celban last year but I keep on postponing,I don’t have the confident,I feel that I will fail,I even thought that I would not pass.now I want to enroll on your celban course.can you please message me how much does it cost.i can start anytime that’s all for now. Hope to hear from you Best regards L..